Changing a clock spring?? How, do I need to?

bartsau · 14-03-2011, 10:25 PM

Hi all,

I have a repairable write off in the form of a 1999 Series 1 AU ute. Story goes that it need a new steering rack and 'K' frame which I have done. However, in doing so I think I may have damaged the clock spring as the steering wheel binds up. It sounds like a wire with rubber insulator is being stretched. I have taken the wheel and Airbag off and there was nothing visible obstructing it. Put it back together and was good for about 10mins then same problem again.

I have a spare clock spring in a 2001 fairlane which I can swap over but I have no idea how to change the clock spring.

If someone could tell me how to change the clock spring that would be awesome.

Thanks, Rhys

XRGhia · 14-03-2011, 10:45 PM

Disconnect battery and leave for 10
Remove airbag
Remove Steering wheel
then the clockspring is right infront of you... Just undo the 3 phillips head screws holding the wiperblade stalk in aswell, and just put it into the ute..

This way there is no easy way of damaging the clockspring (plus you get the fairy features)

Once you figure it out, its not that hard at all..

JK EX CHASER · 14-03-2011, 10:52 PM

Remove battery negative,and replace,just think that the clock spring is a string with wire in it,if you turn it all the way to the right it will stop turning to install it you have to turn it back 3 turns if you don't the wire will brake and never turn the steering when changing racks.

FGII-XR6 · 14-03-2011, 10:55 PM

there are 2 bolts at the back of the steering wheel to release the airbag ( being a series 1 it shouldn't have those horrible 5 point screws) you then need to remove the steering wheel undo the screws and the clock spring should just come off

XRGhia · 14-03-2011, 11:09 PM

my S1 AU Futura wagon has those shithouse 5-star keys..

really gets at me..

bartsau · 15-03-2011, 12:00 AM

Sounds pretty straight forward then. I thought it was that but was not 100% sure. Should be easy as I have the tools for the stupid bloody 5star bolts for the airbag as I was sick of struggling with them all the time.

Thanks for the quick replies all.

Rhys

Mr Hardware · 15-03-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xrghiawagon

my S1 AU Futura wagon has those shithouse 5-star keys..

really gets at me..

They all have them. So what you do, is borrow a 5-key bit, take them out, cut a line with a hacksaw and then you can undo them with a flathead screwdriver.
That's what I did with my falcon!

bartsau · 20-03-2011, 08:59 PM

Well thanks heaps guys. Found some time this afternoon to swap the clockspring over. Only took about 20mins to do as well. The old one sure was stuffed that it for sure. The copper wire was actually starting to come out the side of the assembly.

Thanks again all, Rhys

timbobtimothy · 11-03-2012, 12:37 PM

I have a slight problem with steering wheel and this post seemed to get as close to the question,I want to replace the standard xr6Au 98' wheel as the leather is biodegrading every time I touch the thing.
I have a replacement wheel but it's not airbag-ed its a $380 wheel looks great, just want to use it in my 98' AUXR6HP not vct! if any one has done this conversion before please let me know.

GK · 11-03-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timbobtimothy

I have a slight problem with steering wheel and this post seemed to get as close to the question,I want to replace the standard xr6Au 98' wheel as the leather is biodegrading every time I touch the thing.
I have a replacement wheel but it's not airbag-ed its a $380 wheel looks great, just want to use it in my 98' AUXR6HP not vct! if any one has done this conversion before please let me know.

Pretty sure it's illegal to use a non airbag steering wheel for a car that's previously had one.

I wouldn't do it.

GK

**SSD-85** · 11-03-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

Pretty sure it's illegal to use a non airbag steering wheel for a car that's previously had one.

GK

Correct. Illegal everywhere in Australia.

**Stav** · 11-03-2012, 04:54 PM

Not only illegal but youll have the airbag light on all the time.

horze · 18-09-2012, 10:57 PM

Hey guys.. im sorry to bring up an old thread.
Got my horn, cruise and airbag light on.. so 99.999999% clock spring issue... was just about to attempt when i saw the post saying turn all the way left and 3 turns back.. just wanna make sure (not exactly sure how the clock spring works so ignore my ignorance)
question is do i have to get the steering wheel and clock spring insync with each other.. so do i gotta have the wheels of the car perfectly straight so i get the exact mid point of the clock spring?
like i said.. might sound like a very dumb question.. i am mechanically minded.. but this one i got no idea how it works lol
thanx in advance fellas

p.s. im doing this for a ba xr6... its the same procedure right?

block58 · 19-09-2012, 12:12 AM

To make it easier on yourself, center the steering wheel before you take it off (with the wheels facing forward of course), then follow the instructions on the clock spring which tell you how to center it.
If the clock spring isn't centered when you put it in, then you will snap its insides when you turn the steering wheel so its important to make sure its all synced together.

PJ.RAE · 11-10-2014, 01:13 PM

Can some one tell me how to centre a clock spring on a BA Fairlane